More than 38,159 people in Canada have now recovered from COVID-19, representing over 50 per cent of all cases, according to an update from Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam on Sunday.

Most Canadian provinces are also reporting a large decrease in daily case numbers; on Sunday, Newfoundland and Labrador marked 10 consecutive days without any new cases, while New Brunswick entered its eleventh day of recovery.

Prince Edward Island, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories have all reported no new cases since April.

Despite the promising news, Tam urged Canadians to proceed cautiously this May long weekend and to follow the advice given by local public health authorities.

Usually May #LongWeekend includes BBQs or family get-togethers. Admittedly, this year will be different. We’ve been pretty creative in our celebrations over the past few months. Now is not the time to let your guard down. Continue to follow public health advice. Keep it up 🇨🇦! pic.twitter.com/XyfL9fuKkN

— Dr. Theresa Tam (@CPHO_Canada) May 17, 2020

"I know this year it feels a little bittersweet," she said. "The safety brake is still on when we would usually be revving up for summer."

"At the same time, we are all well aware of how much effort we have put in to plank the curve, and I know none of us is interested in giving up the progress we have made."

She recommends that Canadians get outdoors where possible, but only greet neighbours with a smile or wave across the street.

"Keep your bubble size small, your virtual size big and your helping hands clean," she said.